Magnetically propelled chained nanocomposites for biologically relevant media exploration

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Elongated nanostructures offer potential for theranostics but face challenges in magnetic actuation within biological media due to limited mechanical information.
• Understanding the dynamics of magnetically propelled nanostructures in complex biological environments is crucial for their effective application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the magnetic actuation of magnetically propelled chained nanocomposites.
• To investigate how medium viscosity influences nanostructure velocity under a magnetic field gradient.
• To provide essential mechanical information for complex biological media.

Main Methods:

• Experiments were conducted using distilled water, water/glycerol mixtures, and cell extracts to establish baseline viscosity effects.
• The study extended to complex media within HeLa cells, murine NIH-3T3 fibroblasts, and zebrafish larvae.
• Magnetic field gradients were used to actuate and control the chained nanostructures.

Main Results:

• The velocity of magnetically propelled nanostructures can be modulated by the viscosity of the surrounding medium.
• Precise control over nanostructure performance was achieved in various complex biological scenarios.
• The study provided good estimations of the dynamical parameters involved in nanostructure propulsion.

Conclusions:

• Magnetically propelled chained nanostructures can be precisely controlled in dynamic biological environments.
• This controlled propulsion is valuable for applications such as drug and heat delivery, magnetic separation, and microfluidic technologies.
• The findings offer critical mechanical insights for advancing theranostic applications using magnetic nanomachines.